Costa Rica / Panama – San José to Panama Canal Trip Summary Explore Costa Rica and Panama’s coasts and jungle aboard the 174-foot expedition vessel, Safari Voyager. Your adventure basecamp, the ship is fully-geared up with kayaks, paddle boards, inflatable skiffs, hiking poles, and snorkel gear. Your expert guides—many of them are locals—are ready to get you out in the wild and into the action. While there’s a set itinerary, the small size of your ship allows captain and crew to deviate from the plan and go where opportunities are greatest—wildlife encounters, paddling and snorkeling, hiking, and other experiences. Paddle or skiff from ship or shore into mangroves and crystal-clear water of a national park. Hike and snorkel in conservation areas and a wildlife refuge watching for monkeys, sloths, iguanas, hummingbirds, toucans, and butterflies. And take in a star-lighted night transit of the Panamá Canal. This exciting adventure runs from San José to Panama City or in reverse from Panama City to San José depending on the week! (Please call your adventure travel consultant for more details). Itinerary Day 1: San José, Costa Rica Welcome to the land of pura vida (pure life)! • On arrival to San José, you’ll be warmly greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel • Relax and unwind, enjoying the hotel’s amenities or nearby attractions • Overnight at the Doubletree Hotel (No meals) Day 2: San José / Embarkation The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure or set out to explore nearby sites and cafes • In the afternoon, join your fellow adventurers at our hospitality area in the hotel • Travel to the Pacific coast, where you’ll board the Safari Voyager and meet your enthusiastic crew • Overnight on the Safari Voyager (B, L, D) Day 3: Curú National Wildlife Refuge / Isla Tortuga At the southeastern tip of Nicoya Peninsula—in the tangled mangroves of Curu–the cycle of life is everywhere. Local “residents” include everything from exotic birds and deer to army ants, frog-eating snakes, and hungry crocodiles • Step carefully as you cross the swinging bridge, you don’t want to land on the menu! • Land crabs shift in and out of their burrows with such force it’s enough to make the earth move • Although you might not make it on the Killer Trail, a hike on the Finca de Monos trail is prime monkey viewing • They are everywhere • Off shore, the vibrant, turquoise waters near Isla Tortuga offer inviting opportunities to snorkel, kayak, and paddle board • Overnight on the Safari Voyager (B, L, D) Day 4: Osa Conservation Area Adventure lies around every bend in the isolated, wild Osa Conservation Area, home to the country’s largest national park, Corcovado. The area is known for its diverse plant and animal species—a whopping 2.5% of the entire planet’s biodiversity is found here—including all four of Costa Rica’s monkeys, tree frogs, caimans, anteaters, scarlet macaws, coatis, and 16 different species of hummingbird • Explore this vast area putting feet to trail on an invigorating hike through the jungle • At the end of the day, enjoy the sunset with a tropical beverage in-hand during cocktail hour and retell stories of your day • Overnight on the Safari Voyager (B, L, D) 1 The toughest part is going home.SM Costa Rica / Panama – San José to Panama Canal Day 5: Golfo Dulce A birder’s paradise, explore a tropical preserve exploding with vibrant color • From bromeliads, ginger plants, and heliconias, to toucans, hummingbirds, monkeys, and butterflies—there’s a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and tastes in every tree and bush you pass on your walking tour • In Golfo Dulce, which separates Oso Peninsula from the mainland, explore the rare flora and fauna of mangroves by kayak and skiff • Overnight on the Safari Voyager (B, L, D) Day 6: Coiba National Park, Panama / Granito de Oro / Isla Coiba Sail through the islands of Coiba National Park, making a stop at the postcard-perfect Granito de Oro islet • Offering a little bit of everything despite its small size, volcanic outcroppings at either end of this tiny landmass and a dense, mini-jungle in the center connect with a dreamy white sand beach • Named one of the world’s top 10 diving sites, your day features snorkeling among abundant marine life, kayaking around rocky outcroppings, and lounging on the warm sand • Hop to the park’s main island for a stretch of the legs on a trail in untouched tropical jungle • Mantled howler monkeys, crested eagles, and four turtle species call Isla Coiba home • Overnight on the Safari Voyager (B, L, D) Day 7: Coiba National Park Start with fresh-brewed coffee and a little limbering up with guided stretches on deck • As always, the hardest part is picking the “what.” • Your guides know the trails and help you spot monkeys, hummingbirds, and towering balsa trees • Or slip into the drink for a kayak or snorkel • Then it’s cruising time – settle into a comfy lounge chair and take in the views • Overnight on the Safari Voyager (B, L, D) Day 8: Marine Life Search / Panama Canal The diverse islands and islets in the Gulf of Panamá are all unique, and on your last day, its captain’s choice as you cruise among them • Hosting hundreds of avian species, you may enjoy superb bird watching on a skiff exploration, and watch for mobula rays flying across the water • Later, transit from ocean to ocean along the 48-mile Panamá Canal (time varies depending on when the lock authority gives the final go ahead for your evening transit) • Join your shipmates on deck for a toast as the canal lights up and the temperature subsides • Celebrate this unforgettable voyage with a special farewell dinner, and then join your expedition team for a slideshow highlighting the week’s adventures • Overnight on the Safari Voyager (B, L, D) Day 9: Panama City / Disembarkation / Departure After an early breakfast, bid adiós to your crew • Make a stop at the Agua Clara Visitor Center • Take in the views of Lake Gatun and the newly expanded locks • Then your transfer continues, taking you to the airport for your flight home or to begin your optional hotel stay • No overnight (B) *Trip itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur to maximize your experience. Itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures. 2 The toughest part is going home.SM Costa Rica / Panama – San José to Panama Canal Activities Hiking: Easy to moderate coastal and jungle hikes Kayaking & Paddle Boarding: Ocean paddling at your leisure and pace. No experience necessary. Snorkeling: Easy to moderate conditions; no experience necessary. Discovery: One-night pre-cruise hotel stay in San José Panama Canal night transit; visit Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center Visit a national park, two wildlife refuges, and a conservation area Search for untamed wildlife – scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, sloths, white-faced capuchins Snorkel and beachcomb at Panama’s Granito de Oro Stroll a private butterfly-and flower-rich tropical preserve Hike, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard and explore by skiff Off-the-beaten path exploration Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all ability and experience levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the activity that’s right for you. Our Partner – UnCruise Adventures Austin Adventures is proudly offering this trip in conjunction with UnCruise Adventures. Headquartered at historic Fishermen’s Terminal in Seattle, Washington, UnCruise Adventures has been in the small ship adventure cruise business for over 20 years. The small size of UnCruise’s ships allows them to access remote areas bigger ships can’t get to providing guests with opportunities to experience off-the-map wilderness, up close, hands on, and with boots on the ground. Each day brings opportunity for adventure—kayaking, hiking, skiff explorations, snorkeling, paddle boarding. All activities are included and it’s always your choice—do as many or as few as you want. The expert, knowledgeable, and mostly-local crew enthusiastically lead the way. UnCruise Adventures keeps a constant eye on treading lightly; their small ships introduce adventurers to new and breathtaking destinations sure to leave a lasting impression. 3 The toughest part is going home.SM Costa Rica / Panama – San José to Panama Canal Distinctive Accommodation Night 1: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose - Costa Rica Enjoy a warm welcome to your hotel with a signature warm chocolate chip cookie. Conveniently located only five minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport, it is a great place to start exploring the country or to relax before your adventures begin. Surrounded by beautiful lush gardens, the DoubleTree Cariari hotel in San Jose is within walking distance of a golf course and shopping area. This sustainable hotel is typical of San Jose colonial hacienda architecture and offers spacious, comfortable guest rooms and suites with the latest amenities, including complimentary Wi- Fi in public areas and 24-hour room service. To keep in shape, enjoy the onsite 24-hour fitness center. Nights 2 – 8: Safari Voyager Discreet, classy, and stealthy, the Safari Voyager is comfortable in warm water regions and built to handle humidity and heat. Tropical adventure, wilderness access, and the natural landscape are always at the forefront.